Knife Sharpening Basics

[@andyjame2583]

I'm really pleased with this! It works like a charm kzbin.infoUgkxDcr-y2Pf6xdnrFHrSP7dl9kpKaCozcSQ Takes less time than my old electric sharpener because it can take more off the knife faster, and then it smooths out nicely with the finer grit polisher. I don't know how long it will last before the grit wears away, but I wouldn't mind having to replace it every once in a while.

[@nekoill]

I have picked that video randomly, and it turned out to be the best knife sharpening tips/howto video I've seen so far. Thank you so much.

[@ForTheReconMarine]

You do a great job in your videos. Not too many people are as instructive, or are intelligent as yourself. Thanks for the great quality work and tips!

[@cmsprocket]

Clear, easy-to-understand instructions matched with great demonstrations -- THANK YOU! Like many other people I've struggled to master knife sharpening basics. An excellent tutorial.

[@jimstrausbaugh558]

I got the diamond sharpener earlier today and searched for knife sharpening and this was the first! Thanks man, you showed me exactly what I needed to know.

[@BushcraftOnFire]

Lee... I got mine at a local Ace Hardware. It's a slightly abrasive metal polishing compound that comes in stick form. I have also used mud, toothpaste, and other similar products with good success!

[@EvilReptiles]

Thanks for the video, you've included a lot of useful information. I just used the Lansky System on a few knives at 25 degrees and couldn't be happier with the results. Keep up the informative videos, I'm a subscriber.

[@BushcraftOnFire]

@Halousa117 I use a white or brown Jeweler's Rouge... It is available at your local harware store

[@marktheshark5298]

Best video on knife sharpening on here! Thanks for making it! Very informative.

[@BushcraftOnFire]

@lost14559 Buffing compound isn't necessary.. but it really shines the edge! I have used toothpaste, mud in the feild.. and wet comet all to varying degrees of success. I have also used the strop "dry". You are getting the tip sharp because the angle of that edge is correct.. whereas the main blade isn't. Try seeing what angle you pull the tip off at.. and use that angle for the rest of the blade.

[@Pawoodsman]

Very good video Dave thanks , I just recently bought a Mora which came dull surprisingly and I am attempting to put a razor edge on I say again Attempting lol. I think I got my self in trouble by using too much pressure . I bought the same smith sharpener haven't decided if I like it went back to the soft Arkansas stone for now.

[@Tikmondo]

thank you very much for this great video. the best and most comprehensive sharpening video i have ever seen.

[@Darignobullseye]

I have been working on learning how to sharpen my knife. This video really helped fill in a lot of gaps. It was great to see the different simple systems. Very helpful since the diamond one happens to be the same one I bought. I can start sharpening now. Thank you again.

[@CHEVYCAMARO4GEN]

Wow One Video that Covered More than Hours I Spent on KZbin Looking for This, Nice Videos and Now Im Subscribed

[@varata666]

@BushcraftOnFire It does, however I don't have access to such materials at the moment. The sharpener I do have is the Smith Daimond Stone you got in the vid. I'll keep my eyes open though, thanks.

[@BushcraftOnFire]

Oil (or water) helps keep the pores of the stone from clogging with the metal filings. I use one or the other every time I use the stone.. and then clean it well when finished.

[@dagthewog6290]

Thank you for this video. I was deciding between two Smith products, one being the product you showed. This video made the decision for me.

[@Alloutdoor1]

Good video. Personally i like using circular motions on a flat sharpening stone. I think its the easiest way to get a usable edge whilst out in the field.

[@BushcraftOnFire]

@ShadowsRage Good tip Bro.. However.. the reason that tip is rounded is because I purposely did it. The very first time I used the knife.. I was making a hole for a fireboard, and the tip broke off. So I ground it down to a more round shape so as not to have it break again.

[@BushcraftOnFire]

@myastroflight I'm not familiar with that sharpener.. but you should be able to see the difference of at least feel it. Have you tried wetting it with oil or water? The larger pores of the rougher side should be quite obvious I would think. Hope that Helps

[@KURGAN44]

Excellent tips, and one of the things most important to learn for use in the field. I like the denim strop. I will have to try that out. 5/5!

[@uraniumjoe]

Awesome! And that belt compound is a great idea, I would have never thought of that!

[@BushcraftOnFire]

@alex007q You'll have to figure out which angle will work well for what you are doing. I reprofiled my TBT.. it works a lot better now..

[@389Lee]

Another great and informative video for me. I do have a question, what is the "finishing compound" and where can you get that kind of stuff for the leather strap or denim strap you were using?...Thanks.

[@spazecowboy6228]

I’ve got the smiths handheld. Thanks for the quick direction. Always like to make sure I’m doing things proper.

[@BushcraftOnFire]

Adam.. no problem.. If you are unsure just use what they tell you on the package.. you can get honing oil at any hardware or Walmart

[@nliver1337]

awesome, this literally showed the little mistakes I was making, helped alot keep up the great work. -nick

[@ShawnWideman64]

Thanks for your information on the basics of sharpening the knife. Love the videos, keep on making the awesome videos.

[@BushcraftOnFire]

@smrobot1 The lansky will keep your angle consistent.. I have found that you don't really need 3 or 4 stones.. One to get the edge in shape.. and one to fine the edge up is all that's necessary. Saying that.. I have a Lansky that I use when a knife really needs work :) But for the field.. I caryr my Smith's

[@BushcraftOnFire]

@bluenoserr Thanks :) The Arkansas Stone is a Whetstone.. yes.. just a name for it here in the US

[@GunnarTh3Azul]

if my knife gets dull and i need it at work, i use the bottom of a ceramic coffee cup. even the cheapest ceramic cups have nice smooth bottom rims

[@BushcraftOnFire]

@666therat You shouldn't use oil on a diamond stone or on ceramic. One of the nice things about this system is that you don't need to carry lubricants with you! Once in awhile I wipe my diamond stones off with water in order to "flush" off any metal from the sharpener. I do the same with my ceramic rods from time to time. Other than that they are pretty maintenance free.

[@crabbycripple]

Thanks for this great review. I just bought a Coarse sharpening device with a coarse side and a fine side.

[@IAmNotABot9]

How much grit is that diamond sharpening stone?

[@BushcraftOnFire]

After almost 10 years I don't remember exactly which stone I used... but I have coarse, Medium, and fine stones.. depends on what needs to be done

[@BushcraftOnFire]

@Richxx105 You can use water INSTEAD of oil.. which I do on my field stones since water is more available out there. But you CANNOT use water on a stone that has been used with oil. Hope that helps

[@mikefm4]

david thank you so much for this simple and unbelievably useful video. ill be sure to check the rest of your stuff out

[@666therat]

Awesome thanks for the advice and I love your shows. I try to watch them as much as I can. Hooah

[@DaveTheRred]

The wood block with denim on it is a great idea, I'm going to try that! Using an old pair of legs off of the cut off jeans will be a lot cheaper alternative to a leather strop.

[@smrobot1]

Great vid. I have a rtak II carbon coated. Do you think the hand held smiths or should i use buy the lanskey system by Smiths, which has 3-4 sharperning stones. Keep up the great vids. I am learning alot. Hope to meet you 1 day

[@BushcraftOnFire]

@Drownedinblood It's hard to tell without seeing what you're doing.. but a few things to try. #1 - Use very little pressure once the knife is pretty sharp.. you don't want to dull the edge by pressing too hard on the stone. #2 - Perhaps you aren't sharpening long enough? Try at least 40-50 light strokes on each side.. alternating sides after each 4 or 5 strokes.

[@BushcraftOnFire]

Wolf... The rods are a finishing method.. similar to stropping. To my understanding the reason for raising the angle a litlle (I usually go about 5 degrees more) it to give the blade a fine finish.. perhaps it makes a slight microbevel.. Whatever it does.. It works very well that way!

[@BushcraftOnFire]

I have used a wallet, a boot, and other pieces of leather. I have used cardboard and newspaper... and even the back of another knife like a honing rod (A great reason to carry at least 2 knives)!! They all do the job!

[@BushcraftOnFire]

I'm sorry Korey.. I don't understand what you're asking.. Do you mean the angle? I set it to the existing angle on the blade.

[@BushcraftOnFire]

@ikoncino I believe that the Anaconda is 25-30 from Tops.. I haven't changed that angle

[@MuskratJim]

Thanks David! I really suck at sharpening knives, and I think it's because I use too much pressure. Thanks for the tip... I hope to pick up a Lansky system this weekend and do better next time. Light pressure, light pressure, light pressure :)

[@BushcraftOnFire]

@liltrapper209 I actually use Olive Oil. It is anti microbial.. but if you use a lot you will have a mess.. so use it sparingly. Sorry I didn't answer sooner.. I thought I answered this

[@chrislour8938]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I have the same sharpening smiths tool. My best friend let me borrow it before he went to the Army.

[@BushcraftOnFire]

@varata666 I did mention it in a video.. but which one escapes me right now. I use a diamond rod.. and just go in the serrations. Keep the touch soft and the angle low. you can also use a chainsaw file if you like.. HTH

[@BushcraftOnFire]

@tridneven Once you have used oil.. you can't use water. But if it's a new stone.. you can use water.. I have one that I ONLY use with water.. so it can be used in the bush without having to carry oil.

[@BushcraftOnFire]

Keep at it Bro.. it will come for you. Once you find the angle.. keep it there. One thing I have found helps is to put your finger tips on the blade edge.. when you raise the spine.. you can actually feel the blade hit the stone.. and voila.. there's your angle.

[@BushcraftOnFire]

Dude.. You can buy Jeweler's Rouge.. but I am simply using White Rouge Buffing Compound which you can find at most hardware stores. I have also used toothpaste, comet, and Mud in the bush which works almost as well. Any slight abrasive will do the job. Hope that Hopes :)

[@BushcraftOnFire]

Bogesk... A cheap way to do it is an old toilet :) Or the bottom of a coffee cup. the top edge of a car window. Rods are available for sale on the web and in stores.

[@BushcraftOnFire]

@Tootread If you're not familiar with using diamond stones.. you can easily dull the blade. My first guess is that you are pressing WAY too hard. Lighten up on the pressure.. VERY Light.. and make sure you are keeping your angle consistent. It usually only takes 3 or 4 passes / side on the diamond to get the blade back to razor. Hope that Helps

[@jqcyclops]

@BushcraftOnFire Great video man,thanks for the info.Try as I might,I just suck at sharpening knifes,the only success I have had is with an "acusharp".What do you think of these,what would you recommened after using acusharp to remove the burrs you spoke of in the video,and can you recommend anything better or easier than an acusharp for those of us that have little to no skills for sharpening?

[@CoffeeSnep]

all these years I thought that I wasn't getting the angle right on my Smith Stone, turns out I was just pressing way too hard. thanks.

[@OrbitalRescueSage]

Thank you very much. Which method would you use to learn on?

[@garywayne8567]

Thanks man. This is a great way to explain this necessary endeavor. I'm now sub'd.

[@BushcraftOnFire]

Robo.. I have actually used cardboard to strop and it worked very well. I did use coumpound on the cardboard but it can be done without. The cardboard naturally has clay in it that acts as a compound.

[@UnlimitedBushcraft]

Cool video,I've also read in the book Bushcraft by Mors Kochanski that on your denim or canvas cloth strop you can use very fine sand and a little vegetable oil for your stropping compound! 5/5

[@Metorks]

I thought I knew how to sharpen knives before, but I see that I was missing a few steps. Great info. Thanks!

[@bogesk]

Thanks mate, never seen or heard of ceramics before, more detail please!

[@BP1991X]

This was a really good video on some great products and techniques!

[@BushcraftOnFire]

@MrStogieMonster1988 You can certainly try it.. let us know how it works :)

[@1990gmc62]

I noticed u used a smiths diamond combination sharpener and I bought one at wal mart but I can't get it to sharpen any of my knifes. Can u make a video on just that sharpener and how u use it. I subscribed to your channel. Love your videos

[@CTrane88]

Thanks for the videos. When do you have to use oil when sharpening?

[@BushcraftOnFire]

Storm.. Glad it helped :) Now you can turn butter knives into razor sharp tools! There are quite a few other things you can use for Buffing Compound.. Some that I have used include toothpaste (not the gel kind) and in the field.. Mud!)

[@StubProductions]

Great Video. I recommend putting water on the natural stones as you are sharpening. The water lifts the metal particles off the stone and prevents clogging. In the woods... spit will work. Keep up the good work!

[@BushcraftOnFire]

Bloody.. We were given that knife by someone and the tip was already missing. However I have a Schrade Folder almost identical to Tam's (that I was also given). The first day that I had it I was starting a hole in a fireboard and broke the tip on mine in the exact same place. I think it's a weakness in the design personally!

[@snibblebacker1]

Bush craft! what kind of compound are you talking about when you rub that stuff on the belt and blue jean? what is the brand of the compound you use? I have many dull knives and i need to get them back in order!

[@sraike]

Another great how-to Dave. Thanks!

[@tridneven]

@BushcraftOnFire Tnx!!! I asking because i have new sharping set with 2 Arkansas stones and one small bottle of oil.From the stones the small one is for polishing and the bigger is for sharping .I understand very little german but it is written on the bottle that is only for the polishing stone. But as you answer my question is no place for enlarging this topic .

[@BushcraftOnFire]

I have done a couple of videos on sharpening.. they cover the things you are asking.. Hope it helps

[@halcncod]

i see you sharpening with the lansky system going the full length of the knife each time. other people I've seen with the lansky system seem to just go up and down many times along the knife's length. which way is better?

[@BushcraftOnFire]

@aproductions The rod is ceramic.. not clay my friend. Old resistors from telephone/electric lines will work well as will your car window. We showed this in a more recent video (Sharpening without Tools) which shows how to sharpen with a rock

[@BushcraftOnFire]

David.. Jeweler's rouge is best.. However.. I have also used Toothpaste, Baking Powder, Metal Polishing Compound, and plain old mud all with success!

[@jdogg0075]

condensed. I liked this video. Been looking for a short neat sharpening video.

[@666therat]

Hey David, I got that Smith's 3 in 1 field sharpener today and I was just wondering if I need to keep it dry or if I could use oil on it. And if I could what oil would be best for it. Thanks

[@TheHalogears117]

Now I know its best to use different tools when sharpening but will i still get a good edge if I only use the smith diamond sharpener? Not even stropping or anything?

[@BushcraftOnFire]

I think you are referring to the Arkansas stone.. I believe I got that at Walmart for about $6

[@BushcraftOnFire]

Thank you all for your comments and questions.. Andrew... I dislike the pull through sharpeners. They won't adjust for the edge angle and they only do a mediocre job for sharpeining your tools. It pays to learn to sharpen with a stone Hydro...I have a few Arkansas Stones and use them regularly. Truth be told.. sometimes the "Old Ways" are still the best ways.

[@myastroflight]

Hi David. I have a Hamberg Scharfe Stein sharpening block, very old but never used. It is 2 shades of grey but unmarked. How do I tell which side is the rough and smooth? Feeling it doesn't really tell me. I am new to this, and want to learn how to sharpen knives and machetes (and yes I will practise on cheap knives first), but I want to use the block properly.

[@BushcraftOnFire]

I use regular buffing compound for steel.. You can get it at your local hardware

[@PandamoniumR]

Thanks for the info ;) but if you were at home what oil would u use to help keep your blade and edge sharp? or would it be alright to not use anything? Also, any recommendations on what sharpening tool i should buy that is good and cheap? ( sorry for all the questions, i'm kind of a beginner at knives aand sharpening)

[@Roboflux]

To stropp, can you use cardboard as well and do you have to use that compound stuff ?

[@ANTONIOSALGADOCAMPINGCASTOR]

As usual, your videos are very interesting and util, thanks for sharing this tips...

[@BushcraftOnFire]

@Oxidized181 Nahhh.. It looks A LOT closer due to the camera angle than it really is. I am at least 2-3" away from my finger at all times. And for the record.. I use one with a wooden handle now :) But in all honesty.. I have been using the ceramic rod like this for 15 years.. Literally hundreds of hours..maybe up to 20,000 sharpenings or more.. and I have NEVER gotten cut..

[@BushcraftOnFire]

@CruelMaple They aren't too expensive.. You can get small ones for about $8-$10

[@adamoneale4396]

thanks very much, should i use proper honing oil or just 3in1, as dont know what honing oil is

[@BushcraftOnFire]

Yes.. I have seen that video as well.. You and I are on the same side of the fence Bro... Apology accepted.. all is good! Thanks for your continued support and comments.. Blessings

[@creationcentralco]

Dude, I appreciate these videos Very informative. God bless!

[@BushcraftOnFire]

The double sided Smith Diamond Sharpener? Is that the one you're referring to Bro?

[@JohnDoe-nw7ss]

what good would you say it would do to sharpen the knife with a leather belt without the compound

[@Drownedinblood]

I use a stone/device similar to the smith's you have and I can get to a point where I feel an edge and when I hold it up to the light I don't see any shine but it doesn't even cut paper I have no idea what I am doing wrong.

[@garywayne8567]

When we were kids, we use to take the wire edge off our blades on our Levi's. It didn't take long for the right leg on all our pants to be ragged. I think it's odd that I never thought of putting denim on a block... Thanks for that lesson.

[@rlwalker2]

Thanks for including the Smith Diamond Stone. There was a LOT I was doing wrong with that.

[@ProMainMan]

Thanks for the advice. I've got a Tormek system I bought about 10 years ago for my gouges and chizzes (it's a wet stone and leather belt system) and it's got the holders/jigs for knives but for some reason I like the idea of hand sharpening. I've got several knife sharpeners and I got out my Smith's diamond sharpener like the one you have in this video. I thought the long soft-ish motions are the correct way but you watch shows like Alaska Bush People or Alaska the Last Frontier and they use the exact same stuff like the Smiths only they make little circles. I don't get it, that doesn't work, tried it and it's like "did I make it duller". Confusing, Smiths need to fold up directions or something with their products. anyways thanks for the video, time for me to get to work on these blades.

[@primitivehunter18]

i too use the smith sharpener it works very well works so well i can cut arm hair and paper and i never oil the stone i got it at walmart for 10 bucks or so highly recomend this sharpener!

[@SHANEO1976]

Hey i bought a gerber lock blade. used some of your sharping tool plus a bunch of others and still cant get it sharp. Is it in the steel?

[@varata666]

hey, I don't suppose you got a video on how to sharpen serations on knives do you?

[@hawkdlb06]

i heard u cal also wrap newsprint really tight and u can hone on that, i just use an old leather belt with sharpening compound on it